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Sydney Metro City to open on Monday 19 August

Sydney Metro City is set to open its doors to passengers on Monday 19 August, after final approval was granted by the national independent safety regulator.

Based on its independent assessment, the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator (ONRSR) has reviewed and signed off on the transport mega project.

The City Section of the M1 Line includes an additional 15.5-kilometres of city-shaping metro rail extending the Metro North West line from Chatswood, below the harbour and through the Sydney CBD, to Sydenham.

The M1 Line will commence services at 4:38am at Tallawong Station and 4:54am at Sydenham Station seven days a week for the first four weeks of operation.

After this, services will commence at Tallawong Station at 4:08am and at Sydenham Station at 4:54am seven days a week.

Information on services will be clearly signposted at stations and available at www.transportnsw.info prior to opening.

A game-changing 2,645 new metro services will travel through the heart of the city each week, moving 17,000 people each way per hour in the AM peak.

Once open, passengers will have fast metro travel times including from Victoria Cross in North Sydney, under the harbour to Barangaroo in 3 minutes, between Martin Place and Central in 4 minutes and from Sydenham to Chatswood in 22 minutes.

An updated bus timetable is in place to support the line’s opening, which has been running smoothly since it was introduced on 4 August, ready to support M1 passengers.

Sydney’s new M1 line includes:

445 new metro services each weekday, with a train every four minutes in the peak, seven minutes during weekdays between morning and afternoon peak services (increasing after the first month to a train every five minutes) and every 10 minutes during off peak and on weekends;
Six fully accessible new stations at Crows Nest, Victoria Cross, Barangaroo, Martin Place, Gadigal and Waterloo, along with new platforms at Central and Sydenham;
Simple interchanges with buses at all stations, ferries at Barangaroo, light rail at Central and with train services at Martin Place, Central and Sydenham;
Uninterrupted network mobile coverage;
Safe journeys monitored by a state-of-the-art control centre, with approximately 100 CCTV cameras at every station and 38 cameras inside each train;
Over 600 secure bike parking spaces at Crows Nest, Victoria Cross, Waterloo and Sydenham, as part of 900 new bike parking spaces across all eight stations;
Platform screen door technology to keep people and objects safely away from tracks.

Later this year when Sydney Metro City is fully integrated and providing reliable services from Sydenham to the CBD, the T3 Bankstown Line will close for up to 12 months for the final conversion works to support what will be known as the M1 Northwest & Bankstown Line. These upgrades mean by 2025, south-west Sydney communities will have turn-up-and-go metro services every four minutes in the peak directly into Sydney CBD.

A temporary transport plan will be in place, including Southwest Link – dedicated, high-frequency bus services between Sydenham and Bankstown train stations.

Minister for Transport Jo Haylen said:

“We look forward to welcoming passengers on board Sydney’s amazing new railway from Monday 19 August.

“This is the biggest change to Sydney’s public transport system since the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It’s going to double rail capacity across our harbour, take pressure off our heavy rail network and deliver a fantastic new transport service for passengers right across our city.”

“The M1 Line will see 45 state-of-the-art metro trains, that can carry around 1,150 passengers, moving through six new stations across our city.”

“So if you’re looking for a great way to start the week, jump on the new metro and see what this transformational new public transport service looks like for yourself.”

Transport for NSW Secretary Josh Murray said:

“It’s all systems go for Metro City and everyone at Transport for NSW is getting ready to support passengers as we integrate this new railway into our existing network.

“This is a massive change for Sydney that will transform the way we move around, so we’re asking people to please plan ahead at transportnsw.info and using the Opal app, as well as third party apps, or speak to our friendly staff for information about your journey.”

Sydney Metro Chief Executive Peter Regan said:

“We are so excited to welcome passengers on board the new M1 City Line. More than 50,000 people have worked on this project and I know they are as proud as I am to show Sydney what we have been working on.

“This comes after a year of testing and commissioning, including more than 200 simulated exercises that have included disruption, emergency scenarios and security drills to ensure the trains and stations are ready for passengers to enjoy.

“We thank everyone for their patience. We have always said safety is the number one priority, and we’ve worked with the relevant authorities throughout construction and commissioning to ensure everything is safe and secure.”

Improved oversight of non-government schools funding

The Minns Labor Government is continuing work to ensure taxpayer money is used responsibly with the release today of reforms that give greater clarity for non-government schools on the appropriate use of government funds.

In 2023 the NSW Government commenced a review of the operation 83C of the NSW Education Act, which governs the funding of non-government schools across the state, to ensure its function aligned with community expectations.

Released today, the review has provided recommendations which provide a path to greater transparency and accountability.

While the report noted the current implementation approach is effective in ensuring the integrity of non-government school financial practices, there are reforms available that will improve regulation and efficiency of the system while maintaining and strengthening the oversight of school financial practices.

In line with key recommendations of the report, the NSW Government will:

Transfer regulatory oversight of public funding for non-government schools from the Department of Education to NESA. This will align funding regulation with broader regulation of non-government schools.
Develop regulations to clarify services and functions that do not constitute a breach of a school’s not-for-profit requirements.
Improve guidelines to make the regulator’s role clear and transparent in assuring that school expenditure arises from the operation of the school.
Develop more timely and less costly remedies to address as they arise, such as compliance or show cause notices, to avoid unnecessary litigation.
Strengthen the oversight role of the Not-for-Profit Advisory Committee.

The Review was chaired by Professor Tom Alegounarias, former president of the NSW Board of Studies and Chief Executive of the NSW Institute of Teachers who consulted closely with stakeholders, on this report.

Professor Alegounarias will oversee the implementation of these changes, which will be implemented by mid-2025.

See the review report and submissions received.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:

“I want to thank Professor Alegounarias for his tireless commitment to consultation throughout the review and to all those who made a submission.

“It is important that the public have confidence that taxpayer funds are being used appropriately for the education of students.

“It is in everybody’s interests for the rules to be clear.”

Main works contractor awarded for new Shellharbour Hospital

Work to deliver the new Shellharbour Hospital is on track following the appointment of the main works contractor.

Minister for Health Ryan Park said BESIX Watpac has been engaged following a competitive tender process to build the new hospital, which is being delivered as part of the more than $780 million new Shellharbour Hospital and Integrated Services project.

The project, which is jointly funded by the NSW and Australian Governments, includes:

An expanded emergency department
Increased surgical capacity
Rehabilitation and aged care services
Acute medical services
Mental health services
Renal dialysis
Outpatients care services
Car parking and improved public transport links

The new hospital is being designed to enable construction of a future rooftop helipad. 

The new Shellharbour Hospital and Integrated Services Project also includes:

Expanded sub-acute services at Bulli Hospital
New rehabilitation and palliative care beds at Wollongong Hospital

A new community health centre in Warrawong which will also be built on the old Port Kembla Hospital site.

The appointment of the builder, which follows the recent approval of the State Significant Development Application (SSDA), paves the way for main works construction to start shortly, as they will begin to establish the site, and finalise the design of the new hospital.

Construction of the new hospital is expected to be complete in 2027.

Regional Health Minister Ryan Park:

“I’m delighted that we have reached another milestone in this important project, which will deliver a suite of enhanced health care facilities for the residents of the Illawarra as well as hundreds of local jobs.

“The new Shellharbour Hospital will ensure the local community has first class healthcare at their doorstep in state-of-the-art facilities.”

Planning and Public Spaces Minister Paul Scully:

“With the builder appointed, the new Shellharbour hospital will come to life soon, with main works construction to start shortly.

“This approval is an important step for the local health services and local job creation.”

Member for Shellharbour Anna Watson:

“The new Shellharbour Hospital and Integrated Services Project will cater for local population growth into the future and relieve pressure on other parts of the Illawarra Shoalhaven health network, including Wollongong Hospital.

“The works will also help drive education and job opportunities for the Illawarra region, supporting around 800 direct jobs during construction, with the potential to support thousands of indirect jobs over the life of the project.”

Man charged over an alleged assault – Newcastle East

A man remains before the courts following an alleged assault in Newcastle yesterday.

About 2.10pm (Friday 16 August 2024), emergency services were called to an apartment on Nobbys Road, Newcastle East, following reports of a concern for welfare.

Officers attached to Newcastle City Police District arrived and located an 18-year-old man who had allegedly stabbed another man, aged 46.

Police intervened and arrested the younger man.

The injured man was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to John Hunter Hospital in a stable condition.

The younger man was taken to Newcastle Police Station where he was charged with reckless wounding.

He was refused bail and appeared at Newcastle Local Court today (Saturday 17 August 2024), where he was granted conditional bail to reappear at the same court on Tuesday 27 August 2024.

Initial inquiries have led police to believe the two men are known to each other.

Man charged following jet ski crash – Merewether

A man has been issued with a Future Court Attendance notice following a jet ski crash at Newcastle earlier this month.

About 7:30am on Saturday 10 August 2024, patrolling officers attached to Newcastle City Police District located a man with injuries following a jet ski crash at Dixon Park.

The 71-year-old man was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics and taken to John Hunter Hospital with a severe laceration to his shoulder. He was later released.

Following inquiries, a 36-year-old man was charged with operate recreational vessel negligently.

He was given a Future Court Attendance Notice to appear in Newcastle Local Court on Thursday 3 October 2024.

Eighth Australia-China high level dialogue

The Australia-China High Level Dialogue, which brings together representatives from industry, government, academia, media and the arts, will be held in Adelaide this week.

The Dialogue, which was established in 2014, is another opportunity to progress discussions across the breadth of Australia and China’s relationship, including on trade and investment, cultural ties, and regional and international security.

Former Trade Minister, the Hon Dr Craig Emerson, will co-chair the Dialogue as head of the Australian delegation.

Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ms Jan Adams AO PSM, and Australia’s Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China, Mr Scott Dewar will also participate as delegates.

Former Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon Julie Bishop, will join the Dialogue again this year and participate as a session lead, reflecting continued bipartisan support for the Dialogue.

The Dialogue is co-hosted by the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations and the Chinese People’s Institute for Foreign Affairs.

China’s delegation will be led by Mr Wang Chao, President of the Chinese People’s Institute for Foreign Affairs (CPIFA).

This is the fourth time Australia has hosted and the first time the event has been held in Adelaide.

Labor’s student debt relief bill is a PR stunt

Deputy Greens Leader and spokesperson for Higher Education, Senator Mehreen Faruqi, has responded to Labor’s bill that was introduced today claiming to wipe $3 billion of student debt.

The bill is nothing more than a mirage to give the impression that the Labor government is wiping student debt, when in fact it will have little impact. Around 3 million Australians have over $74 billion in student debt, so shaving off $3 billion in indexation just scratches the surface.

Equally, the inclusion in the bill of a Commonwealth payment for students undertaking placements in nursing, teaching and social work is wholly inadequate and excludes hundreds of thousands of other students required to do unpaid placement work.

Senator Mehreen Faruqi:

“Labor’s student debt relief bill is nothing more than a PR stunt, not genuine cost-of-living relief.

“Labor steals our lines about wiping student debt, because they know it’s what people want, but they are really just tinkering with indexation. The Greens are the only party with a genuine commitment to wipe student debt.

“Student debt is another cost for millions of people trying to make ends meet on top of so many other cost-of-living pressures. A cost that can and should be erased if Labor just wiped student debt entirely. It just goes to show that Labor doesn’t really care about helping people cope in a cost-of-living crisis.

“What Labor is proposing is trimming around the edges, throwing around fancy numbers and pretending to help ordinary people when they’re not. We can all see through the Labor mirage.”

“All students required to do a placement must get paid. Not a lesser supplementary amount, but at the very least, minimum wage.

“Once again, Labor’s half-baked measures fall short of doing what’s needed.”

Australian Medical Students’ Association:

“We are deeply disappointed that medical students remain excluded from the Commonwealth Prac payment. The medical degree’s structure and high demand results in over 2,000 hours of unpaid labour and study, which cannot be completed part time.

“Without support measures like paid placements, we are cutting out most of society from joining the medical workforce, leaving it only for privileged people who can pay their way through the degree.

“Nobody should be forced to make the choice between paying the bills and contributing to our healthcare system.”

Students Against Placement Poverty:

“The legislation passing through the parliament is labelled as financial support for placement students, but we know that most students will still be missing out entirely. The lucky few will get a few dollars an hour for their work, and will have to wait another year before receiving anything. Placement poverty continues despite what the Labor Party promises to students.

“Students Against Placement Poverty rejects any suggestion that this legislation fixes the issue. We will not stop organising until all placement students are covered by a real payment of at least minimum wage, including international students and students in all the degrees currently ignored by the government.”

Ngaire Bogemann, President of the National Union of Students:

Referring to the new HECS indexation system: “The reality is that even under this change, tertiary students will continue to get a raw deal.

“The reality is placement poverty won’t end until all students undertaking mandatory placements are paid at least minimum wage and the Fair Work Act is amended to make unpaid placements illegal.

“The NUS has advocated over many years for an end to placement poverty and is very pleased to see steps taken towards this… However, the promise of a measly $8 an hour is a slap in the face to the many nursing, teaching, midwifery and social work students across the country who are currently providing crucial labour in key skills shortage areas for free.”

ACT Government exploring opportunities to re-naturalise Sullivan’s Creek

The ACT Government has released the Sullivan’s Creek Re-naturalisation Opportunities Report, which identifies ways the natural environment in the area could be transformed to promote environment in the suburbs and provide a biodiversity corridor through the heart of the city.

Minister for the Environment, Parks and Land Management Rebecca Vassarotti said the report includes a variety of suggestions to turn the creek into a community hub where people can relax, play, learn and connect with nature.

“Right now, Sullivan’s Creek is a concrete labyrinth that runs right through the heart of our city, often collecting sediments and algae that are really detrimental to water quality,” Minister Vassarotti said.

“Already in Canberra we’ve seen the massive positive impact renaturalisation projects can have on building positive community spaces, urban biodiversity and environment in our suburbs.

“That’s why we want to open a dialogue with Canberrans about bringing Sullivan’s Creek up to its full potential, turning it into an ecological corridor that protects water and fosters even greater biodiversity down the spine of the inner north.

“Today we’re releasing the Sullivan’s Creek Re-naturalisation Opportunities Report to share the outcome of extensive consultation with the community in 2023, showcasing community needs and desires at the forefront of the report’s recommendations.

“Based on the feedback we’ve received from Canberrans, the report includes suggestions tailored to managing flood risks, creating vibrant and inviting green spaces, and contributing to the positive health and wellbeing of people living in our beautiful city.

“There are numerous benefits to re-naturalising Sullivan’s Creek, including restoring the native habitat and supporting the movement of native species, improving water quality, building resilience to climate change and enhancing our connection with nature.

“The report released today is aspirational but will set the vision for an area that brings our community together and revitalises the landscape. This report will be used as the foundation for any future plans for the site, subject to the considerations of the next government, and further consultation and investigation, ” said Minister Vassarotti.

Sullivan’s Creek and the surrounding waterways and landscape are significant to the Ngunnawal community. The report also includes opportunities to strengthen Connection to Country and invigorate the cultural aspects.

For more information on the Sullivan’s Creek Re-naturalisation project, or to read the Sullivan’s Creek Re-naturalisation Opportunities Report, visit the ACT Government’s YourSay Conversations project webpage.

Free community event to celebrate renewed coastal precinct

Residents and visitors are being encouraged to drop in and enjoy a free community event this weekend to celebrate the reopening of the renewed Bathers Way precinct at South Newcastle Beach.

Skateboarding, roller skating and BMX bike demonstrations in the newly-built skate bowl will be among the highlights of the family-friendly activities, which will be held between 8.30am and 11.30am on Sunday.

Community members using the new facilities in the Bathers Way precinct at South Newcastle Beach.

A wheelchair-dedicated session will also be held to celebrate the inclusive aspects of the South Newcastle Beach project, including the Hunter’s first wheelchair-accessible (WCMX) skate bowl.

Pop-up stalls from local business and community organisations will provide on-the-spot bike check-ups, free coffee and plenty of information, with Camp Quality ensuring the crowds are well fed with a fundraising community barbecue.

Face painting stations and a DJ will keep the vibe pumping as community members make the most of the new recreational facilities in the spectacular coastal precinct.

City of Newcastle delivered the next stage of its landmark Bathers Way coastal revitalisation project this month, transforming South Newcastle Beach into a vibrant hub for community activity.

The upgraded shared pathway provides a more accessible connection between Shortland Esplanade and King Edward Park and forms a key link in Bathers Way coastal walk, which links the city’s five iconic beaches.

New seating, shade and viewing areas along the upper and lower promenades make the most of the panoramic location, while exercise equipment, the inclusive skate bowl and terrain park for skaters, scooters and riders including wheelchair athletes of all skill levels provide a range of active and passive recreation opportunities.

New accessible amenities, murals by local artists and the restoration of the 115-year-old heritage stone arches and shelter cap off the multi-faceted project, which has transformed a long dormant part of the coastline.

For the latest information about the free community event visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/bathersway

Community invited to take first steps towards Mayfield local centre upgrade

City of Newcastle is inviting Mayfield residents and businesses to take part in a series of “walk-shops” to uncover ideas for the future of their suburb.

Two walking tours will visit four locations within the Maitland Road shopping precinct to explore how locals use these areas now, and what could be done to make them more vibrant, active spaces.

The feedback will help guide concept designs for future placemaking activities and start to inform the development of the Mayfield Local Centre upgrade.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said City of Newcastle was committed to collaborating with the Mayfield community.

“Our Local Centre upgrades are designed to refresh and revitalise neighbourhood shopping precincts across Newcastle, which in turn encourages residents to support local businesses,” Cr Nelmes said.

“We want to work with the community to implement revitalised infrastructure, improved landscaping, and public art that aims to create an inviting space for people to meet, relax and enjoy retail offerings in a safe and welcoming environment.

“This first stage of consultation will help inform future planning for Mayfield, allowing us to capture the community’s thoughts on how they use their local centre, and how we can better activate these spaces for the benefit of all.”

Walking tours will be held at 11am on Thursday, 22 August and 10.30am on Sunday, 25 August.

Participants will be encouraged to give their feedback on each of the sites located within the Maitland Road precinct between Kerr Street and Silsoe Street.

Visit https://PlanningMayfield.eventbrite.com.au to sign up for one of the tours, or visit the Have Your Say page on City of Newcastle’s website to share feedback online before 13 September.

The Mayfield project will be delivered through City of Newcastle’s Local Centres program, which invests in communities across Newcastle.

Concept planning and detailed design work for priority sites in Mayfield is expected to occur in 2025, along with further engagement, with construction earmarked for 2026.

Previous projects have delivered upgrades in Beresford Avenue, Beresfield; Mitchell Street, Stockton; Young Street, Carrington; James Street Plaza, Hamilton; Llewellyn Street, Merewether; Joslin Street, Kotara, Sandgate Road, Shortland; Nelson Street, Wallsend, Blackbutt Village, New Lambton and Darby Street, Cooks Hill.